Upgrade Recommendation for Reese Weight Distribution System with Friction Sway Control

Question:

Trying to decide which WDH is best for my application. I current have a very old Reese chain WDH with friction sway bar which works fine. Looking to upgrade to a newer WDH. Current TT is apex, 24.5 length, GVWR 6k and dry tongue is 461. TV is 2017 silverado and I have a Leer fiberglass cap. I estimate the TT is over 5k when loaded. I used the bathroom scale/pipe method to get a better TW estimate of the TT with trailer unhooked. I am getting around 710lbs. Increased TW is result of 2 propane tanks and lots of items chairs,etc in the lower front end compartment. Water tanks were dry however they are in middle/back of the unit. In addition when on trips I usually have items in the truck bed such as firewood, grill and occasionally a 10hp gas motorboat motor. With the current chain wdh and friction sway i do get some wiggle at times from trucks passing but never a big issue. So I need to determine if the fastway 8k E2 is sufficient or is it best to go with the 10k E4. I am concerned the E4 may be overkill and too stiff for my current TT however I like the 4pt sway prevention aspect. My concern with the E2 is it may not have enough sway control.

asked by: Fred L

Expert Reply:

Thank you for all the leg work and information; this really helps me provide you with a more specific recommendation tailored to your needs.

Technically speaking, a system like the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control # EQ37100ET will provide you with 10 times more sway control than your current set-up. On the other hand, the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control # FA92-00-0800 will provide you with 5 times more sway control than your current Reese set-up.

Based on the information provided and your estimated loaded tongue weight, a 1,000 lb system is what I recommend. You mentioned the Reese system with friction sway control works pretty ok for the most part and you experience some sway mostly caused by cross winds. With that in mind, the system I recommend for you is the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW # FA92-00-1000. This system is designed to work with a TW range between 600 lbs and 1,000 lbs, so it's ideal for your application. Since you don't really experience big issues with sway, this will be a nice upgrade and one you will be sure to notice over the old Reese friction bar technology. Basically this offers the best bang for your buck as far as value, performance and reliability.

If you don't mind splurging a bit more and would rather go for a system with an even more aggressive sway control, then the # EQ37100ET is the way to go.

For a 2-5/16 inch ball, you'll want part # EQ91-00-6100, or for a 2 inch ball, you'll want # EQ91-00-6080. The only other thing I recommend is an 1-7/8 inch thin walled socket # EQ70-00-4800 to install either Equalizer hitch ball.

Check out the review videos and FAQs I've attached for you at the bottom of the page.